James D.J. Brown
@jamesdjbrown.bsky.social
Professor of Political Science, Temple University Japan. Currently working on: “Spy Paradise: Russian Espionage against Japan, from the Cold War to Cyber Warfare.” This book is the sequel to “Cracking the Crab”.
Pinned
Cracking the Crab | Hurst Publishers
The fascinating history of Russia’s secret agents targeting Japan, from the Edo shogunate to the Second World War.
www.hurstpublishers.com
My book on the history of Russian espionage against Japan is now available for purchase.
(Also available via Amazon).
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/crackin...
(Also available via Amazon).
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/crackin...
Russia has imposed visa bans on 30 Japanese citizens, mainly journalists & Russia scholars. They include Koizumi Yu (Todai), Iwashita Akihiro (Hokudai), Akita Hiroyuki (Nikkei), Komaki Akiyoshi (Asahi), Hosoya Yuichi (Keio) & Kitamura Toshihiro (MoFA press secretary). www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_p...
www.mid.ru
November 12, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Russia has imposed visa bans on 30 Japanese citizens, mainly journalists & Russia scholars. They include Koizumi Yu (Todai), Iwashita Akihiro (Hokudai), Akita Hiroyuki (Nikkei), Komaki Akiyoshi (Asahi), Hosoya Yuichi (Keio) & Kitamura Toshihiro (MoFA press secretary). www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_p...
JAL says it has no definite plans to resume direct flights between Japan & Russia, saying that appropriate conditions first need to be fulfilled. Russian officials previously claimed that talks were underway between Japanese & Russian airlines about restarting flights.
November 11, 2025 at 6:43 AM
JAL says it has no definite plans to resume direct flights between Japan & Russia, saying that appropriate conditions first need to be fulfilled. Russian officials previously claimed that talks were underway between Japanese & Russian airlines about restarting flights.
A citizens group has sent a letter to Japan’s govt requesting the withdrawal of US Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base. These intermediate-range missiles were deployed in Sept for drills. The group fears the extended deployment is to normalise their presence. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235...
米タイフォン撤去申し入れ、市民 岩国基地に展開、常態化懸念：北海道新聞デジタル
米軍岩国基地（山口県岩国市）の機能強化に反対する広島、山口両県の市民団体は10日、米軍が岩国に展開した中距離ミサイル発射装置「タイフォン」の撤去が大幅に遅れており、常態化の懸念があるとして、米軍に撤...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 11, 2025 at 4:51 AM
A citizens group has sent a letter to Japan’s govt requesting the withdrawal of US Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base. These intermediate-range missiles were deployed in Sept for drills. The group fears the extended deployment is to normalise their presence. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235...
Between 2019 and 2024, 40 Japanese companies withdrew from the Russian market, a reduction of 21.51%. 146 Japanese firms remain, making Russia Japan’s 27th-most-important market based on the number of Japanese firms operating there. toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
3位はロシア･･･この5年間で日本企業の｢撤退｣が相次いだ国ランキング 19年比で1位は78社減少
2020年初頭から世界を襲ったコロナ禍（パンデミック）は、グローバルなサプライチェーンの混乱、各国・地域の経済活動の制限、そして地政学リスクの再認識をもたらした。この未曾有の危機を経て、日本企業は海外事…
toyokeizai.net
November 10, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Between 2019 and 2024, 40 Japanese companies withdrew from the Russian market, a reduction of 21.51%. 146 Japanese firms remain, making Russia Japan’s 27th-most-important market based on the number of Japanese firms operating there. toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
During a visit to the Nosappu Peninsula to view the Northern Territories, Minister Kikawada Hitoshi said: “This really is the closest place to a foreign country.” It’s a blunder because it implies the Japanese-claimed islands are part of a foreign country. www.47news.jp/13426373.html
北方領土眺め「外国に近い」 沖縄北方相、誤解与えたと釈明
黄川田仁志沖縄北方担当相は8日、北海道根室市の納沙布岬から対岸の北方領土である歯舞群島などを視察した際、記者団に対し「一番やっぱり外国に近い」と感想を述べた。北方領土をロシア領と認めたと受け取られか ...
www.47news.jp
November 9, 2025 at 6:12 AM
During a visit to the Nosappu Peninsula to view the Northern Territories, Minister Kikawada Hitoshi said: “This really is the closest place to a foreign country.” It’s a blunder because it implies the Japanese-claimed islands are part of a foreign country. www.47news.jp/13426373.html
Russia is conducting live-fire drills near the Japan-claimed Northern Territories from 8 Nov to 1 Dec. It’s the 8th time this year. Japan has issued a diplomatic protest. www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/447724
ロシア、北方領土沖で射撃訓練 １２月１日まで、日本抗議：東京新聞デジタル
木原稔官房長官は７日の記者会見で、ロシア当局が北方領土の周辺海域で８日～１２月１日に射撃訓練を実施するとの航行警報を４日付で出したこと...
www.tokyo-np.co.jp
November 7, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Russia is conducting live-fire drills near the Japan-claimed Northern Territories from 8 Nov to 1 Dec. It’s the 8th time this year. Japan has issued a diplomatic protest. www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/447724
Defence Minister Koizumi suggests a willingness to revise the rules to permit Japan to supply weapons to countries engaged in conflict, e.g. Ukraine. On 27 Nov, Koizumi said Japan “must move forward concretely in future discussions” on this issue. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1234...
小泉防衛相、SNSで中国・ロシアの脅威強調 防衛力強化の正当化訴え？ 武器輸出も前のめり：北海道新聞デジタル
小泉進次郎防衛相が就任以降、安全保障に関する発信を強化している。交流サイト（SNS）では中国、ロシア両軍の動向や装備の詳細など防衛省の発表に情報を加える形で投稿。国民に安保上の「脅威」を強調し、政府が...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 7, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Defence Minister Koizumi suggests a willingness to revise the rules to permit Japan to supply weapons to countries engaged in conflict, e.g. Ukraine. On 27 Nov, Koizumi said Japan “must move forward concretely in future discussions” on this issue. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1234...
On 5 Nov, Russia officially celebrated Day of the Military Intelligence Officer. It marks the date on which the forerunner to Russia’s GRU was founded. The article notes that one of Moscow’s most famous military intelligence officers was Richard Sorge. iz.ru/1984767/2025...
5 ноября — День военного разведчика: история, традиции, поздравления
В России 5 ноября отмечается День военного разведчика — профессиональный праздник сотрудников одной из самых секретных и элитных структур, чья работа часто остается невидимой, но необходима для обеспе...
iz.ru
November 6, 2025 at 7:05 AM
On 5 Nov, Russia officially celebrated Day of the Military Intelligence Officer. It marks the date on which the forerunner to Russia’s GRU was founded. The article notes that one of Moscow’s most famous military intelligence officers was Richard Sorge. iz.ru/1984767/2025...
Takaichi held her first phone call with Zelenskyy on 5 Nov. She committed to continuing Japan’s support for Ukraine. She added: “Japan’s stance of standing with Ukraine remains unchanged.” www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1234...
首相、ウクライナ支援継続を伝達 ゼレンスキー氏と初の電話会談：北海道新聞デジタル
高市早苗首相は5日夜、ウクライナのゼレンスキー大統領、イタリアのメローニ首相とそれぞれ初めて電話会談した。ゼレンスキー氏には、ロシアによる侵攻が続くウクライナを引き続き支援する考えを伝え、緊密に連携...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 5, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Takaichi held her first phone call with Zelenskyy on 5 Nov. She committed to continuing Japan’s support for Ukraine. She added: “Japan’s stance of standing with Ukraine remains unchanged.” www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1234...
Mazda’s withdrawal from Vladivostok is now permanent. When the Japanese automaker withdrew in Oct 2022, it retained the option of returning within 3 years. That option has now expired. The car plant is now being used occasionally to assemble Chinese buses.
primamedia.ru/news/2282338...
primamedia.ru/news/2282338...
Сбежавшая из Владивостока Mazda назад вернуться не сможет - PrimaMedia.ru
Японская автомобильная Mazda Motor, покинувшая проект с группой Соллерс во Владивостоке после начала СВО, назад уже не вернется. Mazda спустя три года после своего бегства потеряла право на опцион по ...
primamedia.ru
November 5, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Mazda’s withdrawal from Vladivostok is now permanent. When the Japanese automaker withdrew in Oct 2022, it retained the option of returning within 3 years. That option has now expired. The car plant is now being used occasionally to assemble Chinese buses.
primamedia.ru/news/2282338...
primamedia.ru/news/2282338...
On 4 Nov, Putin awarded foreign nationals with state decorations for their contributions to friendship with Russia & to promoting Russian culture. Among the recipients was Japanese actress Kurihara Komaki, chair of the organising committee for the Festival of Russian Culture in Japan.
November 5, 2025 at 7:51 AM
On 4 Nov, Putin awarded foreign nationals with state decorations for their contributions to friendship with Russia & to promoting Russian culture. Among the recipients was Japanese actress Kurihara Komaki, chair of the organising committee for the Festival of Russian Culture in Japan.
No Russians included in Japan’s latest honours list. The list of recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun & other honours features 3963 Japanese & 104 foreigners. Several Russian cultural figures have received the award in the past, incl. Valery Gergiev.
aif.ru/politics/v-s...
aif.ru/politics/v-s...
В списке награжденных ко Дню культуры в Японии снова не оказалось россиян
В список, опубликованный правительством Японии, вошли 3963 японца и 104 иностранца.
aif.ru
November 4, 2025 at 5:13 AM
No Russians included in Japan’s latest honours list. The list of recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun & other honours features 3963 Japanese & 104 foreigners. Several Russian cultural figures have received the award in the past, incl. Valery Gergiev.
aif.ru/politics/v-s...
aif.ru/politics/v-s...
On 31 Oct, the Russian military announced that they are conducting anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan. 15 Russian vessels are in the area. The drills included the test firing of the Paket anti-submarine system by a Russian corvette. www.sankei.com/article/2025...
ロシア、日本海で対潜水艦演習 仮想敵の潜水艦捜索と撃沈 魚雷システム「パケット」発射
ロシア国防省は10月31日、海軍の太平洋艦隊が日本海で仮想敵の潜水艦の捜索と撃沈の演習を行ったと発表した。コルベット艦が対潜水艦魚雷システム「パケット」を発射…
www.sankei.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:44 AM
On 31 Oct, the Russian military announced that they are conducting anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan. 15 Russian vessels are in the area. The drills included the test firing of the Paket anti-submarine system by a Russian corvette. www.sankei.com/article/2025...
On 29 Oct, Japan’s ambassador to Ukraine Nakagome Masashi met head of Ukraine’s presidential office Andriy Yermak. Nakagome reassured Yermak that the new government of Takaichi Sanae will continue providing support to Ukraine.
www.ukrinform.jp/amp/rubric-p...
www.ukrinform.jp/amp/rubric-p...
中込正志日本大使、イェルマーク・ウクライナ大統領府長官に高市政権下での支援継続伝える
www.ukrinform.jp
November 1, 2025 at 5:49 AM
On 29 Oct, Japan’s ambassador to Ukraine Nakagome Masashi met head of Ukraine’s presidential office Andriy Yermak. Nakagome reassured Yermak that the new government of Takaichi Sanae will continue providing support to Ukraine.
www.ukrinform.jp/amp/rubric-p...
www.ukrinform.jp/amp/rubric-p...
Russia has issued diplomatic protest against Japan in response to Keen Sword ‘25, joint drills conducted by the US & Japan in Oct incl. on Hokkaido. RU is particularly concerned that Typhon missiles deployed to JPN for the drills haven’t yet been withdrawn.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8178016
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8178016
Россия выразила Японии протест из-за учений на Хоккайдо
Подробнее на сайте
www.kommersant.ru
November 1, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Russia has issued diplomatic protest against Japan in response to Keen Sword ‘25, joint drills conducted by the US & Japan in Oct incl. on Hokkaido. RU is particularly concerned that Typhon missiles deployed to JPN for the drills haven’t yet been withdrawn.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8178016
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8178016
Russia-linked hacking group claims responsibility for the ransomware attack against Japan’s Askul.
Elsewhere the hacking group is named as RansomHouse.
The hacking of Asahi was also by a Russian group. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
Elsewhere the hacking group is named as RansomHouse.
The hacking of Asahi was also by a Russian group. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
アスクルサイバー攻撃と犯行声明 ロシア系ハッカー集団：北海道新聞デジタル
サイバー攻撃を受けた通販大手アスクルに関し、「ランサムハウス」と呼ばれるロシア系のハッカー集団が、インターネットのダークウェブ上に犯行声明を出したことが30日、セキュリティー関係者への取材で分かった...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
October 31, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Russia-linked hacking group claims responsibility for the ransomware attack against Japan’s Askul.
Elsewhere the hacking group is named as RansomHouse.
The hacking of Asahi was also by a Russian group. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
Elsewhere the hacking group is named as RansomHouse.
The hacking of Asahi was also by a Russian group. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
Russia says peace talks with Japan only possible if Tokyo abandons ‘anti-Russian course’ www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
Russia says peace talks with Japan only possible if Tokyo abandons ‘anti-Russian course’
Soviet troops took control of four islands off Hokkaido at the end of World War II.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 31, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Russia says peace talks with Japan only possible if Tokyo abandons ‘anti-Russian course’ www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “[The Japanese] buy a substantial amount of LNG … from Russia, and I believe, over time, they will be weaning off of that, and they will be part of a very large pipeline project that the US is constructing in Alaska.” www.foxbusiness.com/video/638428...
US–China agreement finalized, signatures expected as soon as next week: Scott Bessent | Fox Business Video
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses President Donald Trump's Asia visit, the finalized US-China agreement, the government shutdown and the finalists of the Federal Reserve's next chairman.
www.foxbusiness.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “[The Japanese] buy a substantial amount of LNG … from Russia, and I believe, over time, they will be weaning off of that, and they will be part of a very large pipeline project that the US is constructing in Alaska.” www.foxbusiness.com/video/638428...
SDF jets scrambled on 29 Oct to track a Russian Il-20 surveillance aircraft operating close to Japan’s airspace. www.mod.go.jp/js/pdf/2025/...
www.mod.go.jp
October 31, 2025 at 2:29 AM
SDF jets scrambled on 29 Oct to track a Russian Il-20 surveillance aircraft operating close to Japan’s airspace. www.mod.go.jp/js/pdf/2025/...
The US request that Japan stop buying Russian energy was raised between Trump & Takaichi on 28 Oct. Takaichi told Trump that it’d be difficult for Japan to do without Russian LNG. She added that, if Japan withdrew from Sakhalin projects, Russia & China would be happy. www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
高市早苗首相、ロシア産LNG禁輸は困難とトランプ氏に伝達 - 日本経済新聞
高市早苗首相とトランプ米大統領との28日の協議で、ロシア極東の石油・天然ガス開発事業「サハリン1」「サハリン2」の話題が出たことが29日、わかった。首相からトランプ氏にロシア産の液化天然ガス（LNG）の禁輸は困難だと伝達した。複数の政府高官が明かした。首相は28日、東京・元赤坂の迎賓館でトランプ氏と会談した。日米同盟の強化に向け経済・安全保障分野で協力を深める方針を確認した。米国はウクライナ
www.nikkei.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The US request that Japan stop buying Russian energy was raised between Trump & Takaichi on 28 Oct. Takaichi told Trump that it’d be difficult for Japan to do without Russian LNG. She added that, if Japan withdrew from Sakhalin projects, Russia & China would be happy. www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
Russian Deputy FM Rudenko says talks are taking place between Russian & Japanese aviation firms about restarting direct flights.
It seems unlikely to happen. Aside from the politics, there are growing concerns about the flight-worthiness of Russia’s civilian aviation.
iz.ru/1980718/dani...
It seems unlikely to happen. Aside from the politics, there are growing concerns about the flight-worthiness of Russia’s civilian aviation.
iz.ru/1980718/dani...
Остров приближения: Россия и Япония обсуждают возобновление прямых авиарейсов
Даже несмотря на их отсутствие, турпоток между странами существенно растет второй год подряд
iz.ru
October 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Russian Deputy FM Rudenko says talks are taking place between Russian & Japanese aviation firms about restarting direct flights.
It seems unlikely to happen. Aside from the politics, there are growing concerns about the flight-worthiness of Russia’s civilian aviation.
iz.ru/1980718/dani...
It seems unlikely to happen. Aside from the politics, there are growing concerns about the flight-worthiness of Russia’s civilian aviation.
iz.ru/1980718/dani...
1,942 evacuees from Ukraine remain in Japan. 70% are women. 55.7% are working, but, of these, 75.1% are part-time. The main issues are the language barrier and the need for assistance in finding suitable employment.
article.auone.jp/detail/1/2/2...
article.auone.jp/detail/1/2/2...
ウクライナから日本への避難者、7割以上が女性 就労支援が課題に|au Webポータル
au Webポータル
article.auone.jp
October 29, 2025 at 7:57 AM
1,942 evacuees from Ukraine remain in Japan. 70% are women. 55.7% are working, but, of these, 75.1% are part-time. The main issues are the language barrier and the need for assistance in finding suitable employment.
article.auone.jp/detail/1/2/2...
article.auone.jp/detail/1/2/2...
Representatives of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture and 7 Japanese firms are currently visiting Kyiv. The objective is to help support the recovery of Ukraine’s agriculture and food sector. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1230...
日本の官民代表団がキーウ視察 農業復興支援を加速、企業進出も：北海道新聞デジタル
【キーウ共同】ロシアの侵攻を受けるウクライナの農業や食品産業の復興に向け、日本の農林水産省と日本企業7社の代表が28日、首都キーウを訪問した。市場調査や現地政府、企業関係者との交流が目的。日本政府は...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
October 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Representatives of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture and 7 Japanese firms are currently visiting Kyiv. The objective is to help support the recovery of Ukraine’s agriculture and food sector. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1230...
Japan’s govt & energy firms breathed a sigh of relief when Trump did not raise the demand that Japan stop buying Russian LNG during his visit. When Treasury Secretary Bessent earlier made this request, former Abe advisor Imai Takaya urged Takaichi not to comply. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1230...
ロシア産LNG輸入、トランプ氏停止要求せず？ EUは停止方針、日本の継続に風当たり強まる恐れ：北海道新聞デジタル
28日の日米首脳会談では、焦点の一つだったロシア産エネルギーの輸入停止を巡って、両国から対外的な発信はなかった。日本側はロシア・サハリン州の石油・天然ガス開発事業「サハリン2」からの液化天然ガス（LN...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
October 29, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Japan’s govt & energy firms breathed a sigh of relief when Trump did not raise the demand that Japan stop buying Russian LNG during his visit. When Treasury Secretary Bessent earlier made this request, former Abe advisor Imai Takaya urged Takaichi not to comply. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1230...
My interview with the BBC yesterday about Trump's visit to Japan.
October 28, 2025 at 6:51 AM
My interview with the BBC yesterday about Trump's visit to Japan.